Long-term results of fibular-Achilles tenodesis (Westin’s tenodesis) for paralytic pes calcaneus: is hypercorrection avoidable? A longitudinal retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to review all cases of patients submitted to Westin’s tenodesis, who had calcaneus feet secondary to myelomeningocele sequel, in order to evaluate the anatomical change provided by surgery and also to verify, in a long-term follow-up, the inversion of the deformity depending on the patient’s age.

Methods

In this longitudinal retrospective study, all medical records of patients with myelomeningocele sequelae submitted to Westin’s tenodesis from 1993 to 2013 in a public university hospital were reviewed. Patients were contacted for new clinical and radiographic evaluations after a minimum of 36 months after surgery. The calcaneotibial angle was measured and the shortening of the fibula was calculated as the "intermalleolar height".

Results

The study was based on 16 children (26 feet), aged 84.27 months on average at the time of tenodesis. The calcaneotibial angle increased significantly post-operatively, from 63.77 degrees on average to 70.54 degrees. Intermalleolar height and valgus ankle did not change significantly. Most patients had plantigrade feet after surgery, without pressure ulcers, and were able to use orthoses.

Conclusion

Westin’s tenodesis, with or without other associated procedures, can correct or improve the calcaneus and valgus ankle deformity in patients with myelomeningocele sequelae. There was no association of the surgical result with age at the time of surgery. There was no inversion of the deformity in equinus during the follow-up time.